Ultimate Guide to Tennessee Bass Fly Fishing & 15 Best Places
Tennessee bass fly fishing is an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. From the tailwaters of the Great Smoky Mountains to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, the Volunteer State offers a diverse range of waters teeming with feisty smallmouth and largemouth bass. But where do you begin? This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need for successful Tennessee bass fly fishing. Let’s explore the best rivers, ideal gear, essential techniques, and even delve into specific fly patterns and tips that will help you land that trophy bass.
Table of Contents
15 Best Places to Fly Fish for Bass in Tennessee
1. South Holston River
Known for its incredible trout fishing, the South Holston River also holds a healthy population of smallmouth bass. The tailwater section below South Holston Dam is renowned for its cold, clear trout water and consistent flows. This makes it ideal for targeting smallies on the fly.
2. Clinch River
Another renowned tailwater, the Clinch River, offers exceptional fly fishing for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. The section below Norris Dam is particularly productive. With abundant baitfish and plenty of structure to hold bass, the Clinch River is a great place to fly fish in East Tennessee.
3. Hiwassee River
Renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse fish population, the Hiwassee River offers a rewarding fly-fishing experience for bass enthusiasts. The river is home to both smallmouth and spotted bass. There are plenty of opportunities for wading and float trips.
4. Caney Fork River
This tributary of the Cumberland River boasts excellent smallmouth bass fishing, particularly in the tailwater section below Center Hill Dam. The Caney Fork River is a larger river known for its consistent flows and opportunities for trophy-sized smallies. Three Smallmouth world records were caught in the nearby Dale Hollow Reservoir.
5. Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake, a scenic reservoir stretching across the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is a bass angler’s paradise. It is particularly famous for its smallmouth bass, with excellent fly-fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months.
6. Center Hill Lake
Similar to Dale Hollow, Center Hill Lake is a deep, clear reservoir with excellent fly fishing for bass. The lake is known for its quality smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as spotted bass.
7. Norris Lake
Norris Lake is a sprawling reservoir with more than 800 miles of shoreline. Known for its various fish species, Norris Lake offers fantastic fly fishing opportunities for bass. The coves and many points and islands are great places to target.
8. Cherokee Lake
Cherokee Lake is another large Tennessee reservoir offering great bass fishing. Fly anglers can target both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The best action is typically found in the spring and fall.
9. Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake has gained a reputation for producing trophy-sized largemouth bass. However, don’t overlook the excellent fly-fishing opportunities for spotted bass. Target the shallow, grassy areas during the warmer months.
10. Nickajack Lake
Located on the Tennessee River, Nickajack Lake is another excellent fly-fishing destination for spotted bass. Don’t overlook the largemouth bass either.
11. Watts Bar Lake
Just upstream from Chickamauga Lake lies Watts Bar Lake, another great spot for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. The lake offers plenty of fly fishing opportunities.
12. Tims Ford Lake
Located in south-central Tennessee, this reservoir is known for its excellent bass fishing, especially for smallmouth. Target rocky points and drop-offs with your fly rod for the best action.
